The Bahamas…everything you’ve ever heard about its beauty is true. And if you haven’t heard anything. Allow me to introduce you.
There are literally hundreds of islands, 700 in fact, 29 of which are inhabited. But if you’re counting landmass, raise the count to 2,000 which will include the numerous cays scattered serendipitously in an archipelago covering 100,000 sq miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Its proximity to the coast of Florida, just 50 miles offers among other things ease of travel anytime quickly day or night.
Baja mar, meaning shallow sea, the name the Spaniards gave The Bahamas on Columbus’ exploratory journey was appropriate. The shallow but transparent aquamarine waters hug the coast and glisten like a piece of jewelry from any aerial shot. Yet at greater depths there’s visibility of just over 200 feet, offering a mariner the great chance of spotting a prize fish from his very own yacht. No wonder, The Bahamas is the hub for sailors and sports fishermen alike.
The Bahamas enjoys beauty, stability and charm. You are one step closer to exploring the jewels of the Atlantic Ocean individually. On that journey you will discover unique treasures as each island has its own natural charm and beauty. The islands located outside of the capital city Nassau on New Providence Island are often referred to as the Out Islands, but there is nothing “out” landish about them… they’re simply “out”standing.
Government Facts
Politically sound and nationally secure since its independence in 1973, The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas is said to be one of the most politically stable countries in the world. Its political stability can be traced as far back as 1729, at which time our popularly elected parliament can trace its heritage to an operational House of Assembly.
Here are some facts about the nature of governance:
* Member of the Commonwealth of Nations and a former British colony, The Bahamas recognizes as Head of State, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth represented locally by the Governor General. Parliament constitutes our Legislative Branch, which is made up of a Senate and a House of Assembly. Subject to the provision of our Constitution, Parliament may be responsible for laws for peace and national order.
* The two primary political parties are the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), which governed the Bahamas from 1967 to 1992, and again from 2002 to 2007. The opposition and present governing political party, the Free National Movement (FNM), the present government since 2007 for a five year term, also governed between 1992 and 2002. Hubert Ingraham is Prime Minister presiding over a 41-member Parliament.
History
The Bahamas has a rich history which includes Lucayan Indians, Spanish explorers, swashbuckling pirates, English Puritans, American Loyalists, persistent bootleggers and rum runners, and British Royal Governors and African slaves. Rich indeed.
Highlights:
- Lucayan Indians were the indigenous people of these islands between 900 – 1500AD.
- Christopher Columbus “discovered” The Bahamas in 1492.
- Bahamas became an official British colony in 1717.
- Slavery was fully abolished in 1838.
- Limited self-rule was granted in 1964.
- The Bahamas became an independent nation on July 10, 1973.
Currency
The Bahamas has its own legal tender, the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. Both are used interchangeably throughout the islands.
Entry Requirements
While entry requirements vary from country to country, each person must fill out an embarkation-disembarkation card. You must also possess a return ticket to your homeland or to another country where it is accepted. You will also have to provide proof you can sustain yourself for the maximum period permitted in the country, eight months.